Sports

AFCON Finals: Key Moments Grom First Half Of Nigeria Vs Ivory Coast

Published

3 months ago

February 11, 2024

Editor

It was quite a stunning first-half game in the finals of the ongoing 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations in, Ivory Coast.

The host nation, Ivory Coast, took much of the possession with six total attempts at goal while half of them were on target.

In the 8th minute, Ivorian player, Simon Adingra burst into the box and only had the keeper to beat, but sent a poor shot well over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie asked for some medical attention with his painful gestures. The extent of his injury was yet to be discovered at that time.

At the 14th-minute mark, a corner from Max Gradel was intercepted by the Nigerian defence.

A rough tackle by Victor Osimhen in the 27th minute made the referee blow his whistle for a foul which prompted a reaction from Coach Jose Peseiro who was stunned as referee Dahane Beida showed him a yellow card.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was forced into action in the 34th minute to thwart Simon Adingra’s attempt.

He found himself some space after latching on to a pass and unleashed a shot to the right post but couldn’t beat the keeper. The referee and his assistant both pointed at the corner flag.

Seven minutes away from half-time, Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong jumped higher than an Ivorian defender before nodding the ball into the top-left corner of the post.

In added time, Seko Fofana had a good opportunity from long range. His shot was directed towards the middle of the goal, but Nwabili was alert and made a comfortable save.

Sports

EPL: Haaland Finishes Top Goal Scorer [See list]

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

Erling Haaland has finished as the English Premier League (EPL) top goal scorer for a second consecutive season as Manchester City beat West Ham 3-1 to win a fourth consecutive title.

The Norwegian striker was absent for two months of the season through injury and struggled to match the heights of his debut campaign at City when he struck 52 times in all competitions, including a Premier League record 36.

The 23-year-old failed to add to his 27 Premier League goals on the final day but still proved decisive in the run-in to help City secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight crown.

Haaland scored nine times in his final seven Premier League appearances of the season to help City edge Arsenal to the title by two points.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who himself started the season at City, was second in the top scorer standings with 22 goals, one ahead of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

EPL Top Goal Scorer Chart
27: Haaland (Man City)

22: Palmer (Chelsea)

21: Isak (Newcastle)

19: Foden (Man City), Solanke (Bournemouth), Watkins (Aston Villa)

18: Salah (Liverpool)

17: Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

READ ALSO: Guardiola Makes Decision On Man City Future After ‘Insane’ Six EPL Titles
16: Bowen (West Ham), Mateta (Crystal Palace), Saka (Arsenal)

14: Jackson (Chelsea), Wood (Nottm Forest)

13: Havertz (Arsenal)

12: Cunha (Wolves), Hwang (Wolves), Trossard (Arsenal), Wissa (Brentford)

11: Alvarez (Man City), Eze (Crystal Palace), Gordon (Newcastle), Morris (Luton), Nunez (Liverpool), Richarlison (Tottenham)

10: Adebayo (Luton), Bailey (Aston Villa), Fernandes (Man Utd), Hojlund (Man Utd), Jota (Liverpool), Olise (Crystal Palace)

Sports

PHOTOS: Man City Fans, Players Celebrate Record Fourth EPL Title In Style

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

Man City on Sunday made history after clinching their fourth consecutive English Premier League (EPL) crown.

At the blast of the final whistle, the Etihad was occupied with fans and players in jubilant mood as the lush green pitch turned white and blue.

Sports

Guardiola Makes Decision On Man City Future After ‘Insane’ Six EPL Titles

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

Pep Guardiola has said he has intention to leave Man City after winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title, and sixth in seven years, on Sunday.

Phil Foden scored twice as City beat West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad to edge out Arsenal by two points and deny the Gunners a first league title in 20 years.

“When I moved here if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you’re insane – no way,” said Guardiola.

“All these players for Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea, all these teams. Now is our period. We are part of that,” added the 53-year-old.

Guardiola has now won 15 major trophies in eight seasons as Man City manager and could add another in the FA Cup final next weekend.

The Catalan has a contract at the Etihad until 2025 and said he intends to see out at least one more year in Man City.

“The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying after eight years. We have talked with the club — my feeling is that I want to stay now. I will stay next season and during the season we will talk.”